Defendant takes stand in roommate killing trial

OROVILLE -- The Yankee Hill man charged with fatally shooting his roommate took the stand in his own defense Monday.

John Lawrence Halsema, 65, recounted what happened before and after the shooting of Craig Steven Davies at Davies' Nelson Bar Road residence on or about Jan. 30. Halsema is charged in Butte County Superior Court with murder.

Under questioning by defense attorney Robert Radcliffe, Halsema said he panicked when he saw an agitated Davies brandish a knife and thought Davies was going to kill his dog. He said he didn't remember he had the gun in his hand when he stepped back and the gun accidentally fired.

"It was my reaction to me thinking he was going to kill my dog," Halsema said.

During a pointed cross-examination by chief deputy district attorney Francisco Zarate, Halsema said was unable to recall what he called valid reasons for why he waited 10 days to report what happened. He said one reason might be waiting for a Social Security check to give Davies' daughter.

"I still don't understand why it took you so long to call," Zarate said.

Earlier in the hearing, Halsema said the gun in the incident was his. Davies had borrowed it a few days before to put down an elderly stray dog that died before Davies could shoot it.

Halsema discovered the loaded gun on the floor of his bedroom, which Davies said he had placed on Halsema's bed. He took the gun to the dining area to show Davies that hammer was back and the safety was off.

Davies reportedly became upset and started complaining about other issues, including moldy cheese in the refrigerator.

Halsema said Davies slapped a drink from his hand, but he didn't get upset. He said Davies had been upset before, but the outbursts had been happening more frequently.

Davies allegedly went through the kitchen and retrieved a long kitchen knife. He repeatedly brandished the knife and moved erratically in circles.

Halsema was standing by the wood stove and Davies was by a table when the gun fired. He said Davies was making a downward stabbing motion with the knife near where Halsema's dog was, but Halsema's view of the dog was obscured by a couch.

Halsema said it was never his intention to kill Davies and he wasn't acting in self-defense. He said the shot was an accident, like slamming a car's brakes when another car cuts in front.

"I didn't pull the trigger — it was an involuntary reaction," Halsema said.

After the shooting, Halsema went to Davies and started apologizing. He also put papers and the knife in Davies' hands and failed to put him a chair.

For at least a couple of days after the shooting, Halsema said he sat in a chair and stared at the wall. He said his mind wasn't functioning after what happened.

About a week later, a friend of both Davies and Halsema came from Hayward to borrow Halsema's guitar. Halsema got the guitar for the man, and also admitted that he accidentally shot Davies. Halsema also told the man he could take and sell anything he wanted, but asked him to look after his dog.

During cross-examination, Zarate compared Halsema's testimony with what the defendant initially told police at the scene. Halsema said he didn't recall telling the Butte County sheriff's deputy that the incident began as horseplay when Davies knocked the drink out of his hand and the gun discharged when Halsema slipped on the hearth.

Later, Halsema said his recall of events may be affected by two strokes he had in 2008.

The defense rested its case Monday. The prosecution is expected to bring rebuttal witnesses Thursday.

Staff writer Ryan Olson can be reached at 896-7763 or rolson@chicoer.com.